Methods of Weeding

Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in places where they are not needed, while the process of weeding involves the removal of these unwanted plants from places where they are not needed. Some of the economic importance of weeds are, reduction in crop yield and quality due to competition for light, space, water, and nutrient, some weeds are poisonous to crops and animals, financial loss as a cost of controlling weeds is high etc.

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Hand pulling is one of the ways by which weeds can be controlled in the garden. It is used in places where other methods of weed control cannot be used. This method is also the best method to make use of when the crop is still in the nursery.

Mechanical control involves the use of mechanical equipment in the control of weeds. This method is mostly used in large-scale farming. Chemicals referred to as herbicide is also used to eliminate unwanted plants. The use of chemicals may have vast effects on the environment, so mechanical control is mostly encouraged.

Other methods of controlling weeds include mulching and planting of the cover crop. Mulching is a process of making use of other materials such as rice straws to cover the surface of the soil in order to prevent the growth of weed. On the other hand, cover crops are crops planted in order to spread and cover the surface of the soil, giving no room for the growth of weeds.